John James Williams, forever to be known as JJ, was one of the deadliest finishers in world rugby and a key part of the success of both Wales and the British and Irish Lions during the 1970s.

As a sprinter Williams competed at the 1970 Commonwealth Games, but gave up his athletics career in order to focus solely on rugby. After moving from Bridgend to Llanelli Williams won his first international cap in 1973 against France at Parc des Princes.

Despite having missed out on the historic 1971 tour of New Zealand, Williams was granted his own shot at Lions glory in 1974. On the hard fields of South Africa he came in to his own, equalling David Duckham's all-time try-scoring record for a single game by crossing for six against Southern Districts. During the Test series he was also on song, crossing for braces during the second and third Tests as the Lions triumphed 3-0.

Williams played an active part during the glory years with Wales, winning the Five Nations Championship in 1975 before winning Grand Slams in 1976 and 1978. He made a second Lions tour before his retirement in 1979, playing in three Tests. His tour was ended by a hamstring injury following the penultimate third Test but again he produced a fine account of himself despite difficult weather conditions.